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breaking news

The judge in the Atlanta public schools test-cheating trial has announced that a sentencing hearing for the convicted educators would resume Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Judge Jerry Baxter told the court Monday afternoon that defense attorneys for the convicted educators and Fulton County prosecutors are in the process of hammering out plea deals for 10 defendants.

During Monday’s sentencing hearing, Baxter urged prosecutors and defense attorneys to figure out a sentencing agreement — or the convicted former educators could face potential jail time.

“I’ve got the fair sentence in my mind and it involves going to jail,” Baxter said.

Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard has discussed reduced sentences for the 10 convicted defendants. The former educators face up to 20 years in prison for their racketeering conviction.

A sticking point between the two sides is whether the defendants will have the right to appeal if they agree to deal. Defense attorneys want their clients to have an option of an appeal. Prosecutors have proposed the defendants waive any appeal rights in exchange for a lesser sentence.